United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Monday in the US) said his administration is working on “a very different deal” with India than those negotiated in the past.“They don’t love me, but they’ll love us again. We’re getting a fair deal, just a fair trade deal,” said Trump.
“We’re making a deal with India, a much different deal than we had in the past. So right now, they don’t love me, but they’ll love us again. We’re getting a fair deal, just a fair trade deal. We had pretty unfair trade deals…But we’re getting close. Scott, I think we’re pretty close to doing a deal that’s good for everybody, right?” the US president said as per the White House.“India is home to one of the world’s oldest civilisations, the largest country in the world and it’s got over 1.5 billion people and we have a fantastic relationship with the Prime Minister Modi and Sergio has only enhanced that because he’s become already friendly with the Prime Minister…It’s also the fastest-growing middle class, and it’s an important economic and strategic security partner in the Indo-Pacific region...As Ambassador Sergio will work to fortify our country’s bond, promote investments in key US industries and technologies, increase American energy exports, and expand our security cooperation,” Trump said.Union commerce minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday gave an update on the ongoing India-US trade talks amid persisting tensions, as India deals with 50% tariffs.The union minister indicated that while discussions on the India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) are “going on very well,” there remain “many sensitive and serious issues” that will require additional time.“Talks are going on very well. There are many sensitive and serious issues, so naturally, it takes some time,” Minister Goyal told ANI when asked for an update on the trade talks.Piyush Goyal’s statement comes just hours after White House gave a similar update claiming progress in talks. The White House on Tuesday reiterated that US President Donald Trump continues to prioritise strengthening relations with India and is in frequent contact with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, even as differences persist over trade tariffs and Russian oil imports.
